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ECHOES o/ BETHLEHEM 

The COMING of the KING 



BY 

A. WASHINGTON MORSE 



ILLUSTRATION 

Cover Design — 

Adrian Louis Brewer 
Frontispiece — 

Edward Vincent Brewer 



Minneapolis, Minnesota 
MINNEWASKA PUBLISHING CO. 

(Not Incorporated) 



Copyright. 1912. by 

AUGUSTUS W. MORSE 

All Rights Reserved 

First Impression. December, 1912 






.OiL^^^ 



If "Echoes of Bethlehem" is not handled by your 
local bookseller he can get it for you by addressing 
Minnewaska Publishing Co.. Minneapolis, Minn. 
Price $1.00 Net. Postage. 6 cents. 



PRESS OP 

AUGSBURG PUBLISHING HOUSE 

MINNEAPOLIS, MINN. 



©CLA330326 



I 



HAVE promised the little ones to tell 
them a story, and so, the night before 
Christmas, I gather them around the family 
hearth, in the old home, and tell them of 
the Child Jesus. ^ If, by this means. I may 
bring the birth of the Master more clearly 
to the vision of the dear children He loved 
so well, my heart's desire will have been 
realized. A. W. M. 



And thou Bethlehem, in the land ofjuda, art 
not the least among the princes of Juda: for 
out of thee shall come a Governor, that shall 
rule my people Israel. — Matthew 2, 6. 



TO THE BOYS AND GIRLS OF 

THE WHOLE ROUND 

WORLD 



Sufier little children, and forbid them not, to 
come unto me : for of such is the Kingdom of 
Heaven.— M&tthew 19, 14. 



SUMMARY OF CONTENTS 



THE ANNUNCIATION 

Mary the Virgin. 

The Angel Gabriel. 

Mary Visits Elisabeth. 

Elisabeth's Salutation. 

Mary's Song of Thanksgiving. 

Joseph's Dream. 

The Wedding. 

The Decree of Augustus. 

The Journey to Bethlehem. 

Jacob's Well. — Shiloh, Gophna, Bethel, Ramah, Mizpah, 

Jerusalem. — The Pools of Solomon. 

Rachel's Tomb. 

The Well of Bethlehem. 

The Inn. 

The Cave or Grotto. 

The Birth of Jesus. 

THE NATIVITY 

The Shepherds Watching Their Flocks by Night. 

The Wondrous Light in the Sky. 

The Angel of the Lord Reveals to the Shepherds the. 

Birth of the King. 
God's Promise Is Fulfilled. 
The Shepherds Leave Their Flocks and Haste to- 

Bethlehem. 
The Village Khan. 



SUMMARY OF CONTENTS 



THE NATIVITY ( Continued) 

The Cavern. 

Joseph's Response to the Shepherds. 

Micah's Prophecy at Last Fulfilled. 

They Take Him to the Temple. 

Simeon's Blessing. 

Anna's Thanksgiving. 

The Wonderment of Joseph and His Holy Wife. 

THE FLIGHT INTO EGYPT 

The Prophecies of Moses, Micah, Nahum and Isaiah. 

Jerusalem Besieged by Nebuchadnezzar. 

Daniel Made Captive. 

The King's Dream. 

Daniel's Distinguishment. 

Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego. 

The Wondrous Star: 

The Wise Men Following It Journey to Jerusalem. 
Herod Convenes the Sanhedrim. 
The Wise Men Leave for Bethlehem. 

Following the Star They Find the Child and. Bringing Gold and 

Frankincense and Myrrh, They Worship Him and Depart 

Another Way. 
The Angel of the Lord Appeareth to Joseph. 
The Flight Into Egypt. 
Herod's Death. 
The Return to Nazareth. 




Q s 



o 5 



PROLOGUE 



f^OME Rodney, Irma, Morse, and Guy. 

With Grandpa and papa; 
Aunt Ida, too, just bring with you. 
And June, and dear mamma. 
Pull up the chairs around the hearth 

That all may find a seat; 
Stir up the fire, throw on more wood; 

Let's feel the glowing heat 
From out the dear old chimney-place 

Our fathers loved so well. 
As promised you, this Christmas Eve 

A story I will tell. 
Now sit up close; you older ones 

Must not make any noise; 
This story is for ^ou, as well 

As for the girls and boys. 



THE ANNUNCIATION 

*Tr'WAS Nineteen Hundred years ago. 

While Herod yet was king. 
An angel (Gabriel) came to earth 

Most joyful news to bring. 
There dwelt in rustic Nazareth, 

A town in Galilee, 
A simple maid, of Jewish birth; 

Most pure and fair was she. 

She loved the Lord with all her heart 

And morning, noon, and night. 
As was the custom with the Jews, 

To Him her faith did plight. 
While in her chamber thus she prayed. 

This salutation came: 
*'Hail thou who highly favored art. 

Henceforth blest he thy name.** 



12 ECHOES OF BETHLEHEM 

The loving voice, so strangely sweet, 

Fell gently on her ear; 
In wonderment she turned, and saw 

An angel standing near. 
Her anxious face, her troubled look. 

The angel now beheld; 
"Fear not," the holy herald said; 

"Be all thy fears dispelled; 

"For Mary, thou hast with the Lord 

His fullest favor found; 
He knows that faith and purity 

Doth in thy heart abound; 
And now, my child, thou favored one. 

To you good news I bring. 
For God hath willed that thou shouldst be 

The mother of a King. 



THE ANNUNCIATION 13 

"In holiness thou shall conceive 

And bear thy God a Son 
Whom all the earth shall know to love; 

And His will shall be done. 
He shall be great. He shall be called 

The Son of the Most High; 
His light shall shine throughout the world 

And God be ever nigh. 

•'He shall inherit David's throne; 

His love none shall transcend; 
He over Jacob's house shall reign. 

His kingdom have no end; 
And Jesus thou shalt call His name. 

The Friend of sinful man; 
No babe like this hath yet been born. 

Not since the world began." 



14 ECHOES OF BETHLEHEM 

Then great was her astonishment — 

Such godly favor shown; 
"How can this be?" the virgin said, 

"Since man I have not known." 
The trysting angel then did say 

Unto the wond'ring maid: 
"The Holy Ghost shall come to thee; 

Be thou not, then, dismayed. 

"His might shall overshadow thee; 

Great honor thou hast won; 
The Holy Child so born of thee, 

Shall be God's only Son. 
Behold, thy kin, Elisabeth, 

She also hath conceived. 
Despite old age and barrenness. 

O'er which she humbly grieved. 



THE ANNUNCIATION 15 

"With God all things are possible. 

His might may not be stayed." 
Thus spake the great ambassador, 

While Mary meekly prayed, 
"Behold the handmaid of the Lord, 

O may His will be done 
To me, according to thy word, 

ril bear Him thus a Son." 

The maid arose; her guest had flown 

To realms of God's domain; 
She hasty preparation made 

Judean hills to gain, 
Where lived the good Elisabeth, 

The mother of Saint John, 
Whose counsel Mary much desired. 

And fain would lean upon; 



16 ECHOES OF BETHLEHEM 

For maid and matron were ordained 

Of God to bless the earth; 
Our Saviour and the saintly John 

Bore kinship close in birth. 
Zacharias' home in Juda's hills 

A hundred miles away 
The humble maiden sought on foot, 

A custom of the day. 

For modern means of journeying 

Were yet to man unknown. 
The use of horse and heraldry 

Vouchsafed to kings alone. 
When Mary's voice her cousin heard. 

Her face with joy did shine. 
The Holy Herald John, unborn. 

Convulsed his sacred shrine. 



THE ANNUNCIATION 17 

And then upon Elisabeth 

A holy fervor came. 
'^Behold the mother of mij Lord,'' 

She cried in loud acclaim. 
"Pray whence this honor, thou shouldst come, 

My holy guest to be? 
The comforts of my humble home, 

I gladly share with thee. 

"Well blest is she that hath believed; 

For there shall be performed 
The things divine made known to her. 

Whom God hath thus adorned." 
"My soul doth magnify the Lord," 

This song then Mary voiced, 
"In Him, my Saviour and my God, 

My spirit hath rejoiced. 



18 ECHOES OF BETHLEHEM 

"My low estate He doth regard; 

All generations now 
Shall call me blessed; to His will 

I meekly, gladly bow. 
For He that mighty is hath done 

In truth great things to me; 
His boundless wisdom, power and love 

My light, my life shall be. 

"His mercy is on them that fear. 

And glorify His name; 
And all mankind, in prayer and song. 

His greatness shall proclaim. 
With strength of His all-powerful arm 

He hath the proud repressed. 
The mighty from their seats put down. 

The lowly ones hath blessed. 



THE ANNUNCIATION 19 

"He hath the hungry with good things 

Most bountifully filled; 
The rich and mighty sent away, 

'Tis thus that He hath willed. 
As He unto our fathers spake, 

His servant Israel 
He hath helped, and, as He promised. 

We shall see Emmanuel." 

And Mary with Elisabeth 

Sojourned for many weeks; 
And then, with thoughts of dear ones there. 

Her own loved home she seeks. 
Her glorious Magnificat, 

Her beatific h^mn. 
Will live, and shine, throughout the world. 

When Caesar*s fame is dim. 



20 ECHOES OF BETHLEHEM 

The peace of perfect purity 

Had her young heart enshrined; 
No troubled thought, no anxious care 

Disturbed her tranquil mind. 
With God all things are possible. 

Believed this virgin maid; 
And for His love, and guiding care, 

She most devoutly prayed. 



In Nazareth, where Mary lived. 

There dwelt an humble Jew; 
He was, by trade, a carpenter. 

Whom Galileans knew 
To be a wise and godly man. 

In Jewish records shown 
Of royal lineage, rightful heir 

To David's ancient throne. 



THE ANNUNCIATION 21 

His name was Joseph; Mary was 

Espoused to be his wife. 
And, intermingled, doubt and fear 

Were in his bosom rife. 
But He who calms the winter's blast 

Unto the lamb that's shorn. 
Revealed to Joseph, in a dream. 

The truth of the unborn; 

Thus shielding Mary's innocence 

In sight of her betrothed; 
With peace, and perfect happiness, 

Their union now is clothed. 
Then Joseph, being raised from sleep, 

Did as the angel said; 
He sought the Holy Virgin's home. 

And straightway they were wed. 



22 ECHOES OF BETHLEHEM 

Now in those days, it came to pass. 

There went out a decree. 
Throughout the Roman world entire, 

A census there should be; 
And all to their own city went, 

(Saint Luke hath plainly told) 
The place of their nativity. 

Their names to be enrolled. 

Augustus ruled with powerful hand, 

Most mighty of his time; 
Each one must honor his command, 

All men from every clime. 
Thus Joseph with no choice was left; 

The king must be obeyed; 
So then to go to Bethlehem 

He preparation made. 



THE ANNUNCIATION 23 

His bride he would not leave behind; 

TTie journey was too long 
For her on foot, and so they took 

A donkey, safe and strong. 
Which Mary rode, tradition says, 

While Joseph, by her side. 
Walked with an ever watchful care. 

The donkey's course to guide. 

Their route lay south through busy towns 

Of ancient Galilee; 
Across the plain Esdraelon 

And thence to Sebaste. 
They may have spent the second night 

At Jacob's sacred well 
Near Sychar in Samaria; 

The Scriptures do not tell. 



24 ECHOES OF BETHLEHEM 

But sure it is, they did not look 

For shelter, food, or drink. 
From people of Samaria; 

No Jew would of it think; 
Nor would a true Samaritan 

Have dealings with a Jew; 
The temple on Mount Gerizim 

Made converts not a few. 

The food they ate, their blankets, too. 

From home were likely brought. 
With other comforts plentiful 

Of which kind friends had thought; 
And Mary's heart no doubt is filled 

With gratitude profound. 
When past the heights of Akrabbim 

They reach Judean ground. 



THE ANNUNCIATION 25 

For now they tread the holy soil 

Of their ancestral home. 
Where lived that great historic race 

Which o'er the earth doth roam. 
Judea's bleak and barren hills. 

And every landscape view. 
Were hallowed by the sight of spots 

Beloved by every Jew. 

And Shiloh now, where Hannah came. 

Before the Lord to pray. 
Would greet them first, and Gophna then» 

TTie next town on their way. 
Then Bethel, a most sacred spot. 

Where once the prophets dwelt > 
The place where Jacob in a dream 

God's mighty presence felt. 



26 ECHOES OF BETHLEHEM 

Then Ramah, where there lived and died 

The godly Samuel, 
Who built an altar to the Lord 

And judged all Israel. 
Next Mizpah where Philistine lords 

By God were overthrown. 
Where Samuel devoutly raised 

His Ebenezer stone. 

And then, at last, Jerusalem 

Meets their expectant view; 
This sacred home of ancient kings 

Their interest doth renew. 
They likely stop for food and drink 

Down by the Joppa gate. 
Where teeming commerce hath been known 

Since days of ancient, date. 



THE ANNUNCIATION 27 

When well refreshed at "market court," 

They hasten on their way. 
For Bethlehem, their journey's end. 

Near five miles south doth lay. 
As out the Joppa gate they pass. 

And to the left they go. 
The way is rough, precipitous. 

Their progress very slow. 

They see Mount Zion towering high 

Above the city walls; 
The lower pool of Gihon then 

Their next attention calls. 
They cross the valley of Hinnom 

Along the aqueduct. 
Built for the pools of Solomon 

The waters to conduct. 



28 ECHOES OF BETHLEHEM 

They slowly climb the southern slope. 

Ascend unto the plain 
Of Rephaim, where David smote 

Philistine hosts in twain. 
They now approach their journey's end, 

TTio weary, travel fast; 
They, from the border of the plain. 

See Bethlehem at last. 

'Mid ever rugged rocks and hills 

With fertile fields between, 
Where, many centuries before. 

The comely Ruth did glean. 
Where Boaz, "mighty man of wealth," 

Was smitten with her charms. 
Whose honored wife she soon became. 

And left Naomi's arms. 



THE ANNUNCIATION 29 

The mountain town lies just across 

A valley, deep and long; 
TTie anxious Joseph looks, and sees 

A great and motley throng 
To be enrolled, so on they go 

Once more with quickened pace, 
For Joseph fears that, for the night. 

He may not find a place 

Of shelter for his gentle wife; 

The journey, over long. 
Was much for woman to endure, 

Tho she be well and strong. 
And as to ancient Ephratah 

TTiey now draw very near. 
Along the way they pass a spot 

To Jewish hearts most dear. 



30 ECHOES OF BETHLEHEM 

The sacred site of Rachel's tomb. 

Where Jacob raised the stone 
In honor of his first beloved. 

Who resteth there alone. 
All dust-begrimed and travel-stained 

They reach the famous well 
From which King David longed to drink 

(As Chronicles doth tell). 

The village entrance lies beyond, 

A quarter mile or so. 
And close at hand the Chimham Inn; 

To it at once they go. 
Great crowds of people throng the way; 

The keeper at the gate 
Declares for them there is no room; 

Alas, they are too late. 



THE ANNUNCIATION 31 

For Mary*s welfare Joseph fears; 

He feels the air that chills 
The hapless, houseless wayfarer 

High up on Juda's hills. 
At last they find a lowly place 

Of shelter for the night, 
A cave, or grotto, close at hand, 

Tho warm, devoid of light. 

Where David may have housed his flocks. 

The mangers yet were there; 
Tho built of stone, they shelter gave 

This God-united pair; 
And there was saintly Mary's bed 

By angels watched till morn. 
As God's own star shone o'er her head. 

The Holy Child was born. 



THE NATIVITY 



nnHE orb of day has passed from view 

Beyond the western hills; 
The shepherds call their bleating flocks 

To rest, as nature wills. 
The day is done; the night is come; 

The camp-fire, burning low. 
Betokens quietude and peace 

Within its circling glow. 

The evening air is crisp and clear; 

The sparkling stars above 
Down on the sleeping shepherds there 

Shed forth their light of love. 
No sound disturbs the deep repose, 

While o'er the camp and sheep 
One trusted herdsman, at the gate. 

Doth faithful vigil keep. 



34 ECHOES OF BETHLEHEM 

The midnight hour now draweth nigh; 

The moon hath ceased to shine; 
The twinkHng stars are lost to view. 

Outshone by power divine; 
While slowly o'er the field there falls 

A soft, celestial sheen. 
The watchman looks toward the sky. 

Where wondrous light is seen. 

Its dazzling brightness blinds his eye; 

He looks, and looks again; 
No man had seen the like before. 

None such since seen by men. 
The wonder grew, as light divine 

Illumined hill and plain; 
"Awake!" the startled watchman cries. 

Nor does he cry in vain. 



THE NATIVITY 35 

The shepherds, clamb'ring to their feet, 

Can scarce regain their sight; 
In unison, they, trembling, cry, 

"What is it? Whence the hght?" 
"See! See the fire in yonder sky!" 

The answering watchman cried; 
The frightened keepers of the flocks 

With fear were terrified. 

But soon they heard an angel say, 

"Peace; peace be unto thee; 
I bear you tidings of great joy. 

Which to all people be." 
A holy hush comes o'er the earth. 

And heaven, bending low 
As if to catch her list'ning ear. 

This message doth bestow: 



36 ECHOES OF BETHLEHEM 

"In David's city there is bom 

(To you glad news I bring) 
A Saviour, which is Christ the Lord; 

Hail ye the new-born King. 
His swaddling clothes a sign shall be. 

When you the Babe shall find; 
Laid in a manger, ye shall see 

The Saviour of mankind." 

Then round the angel suddenly 

There swept a winged throng, 
A multitude of Heaven's host, 

In praise-resounding song. 
The raptured shepherds shout for joy: 

"Hear ye what God hath willed; 
The Christ is born! The Christ is born! 

God's promise is fulfilled." 



THE NATIVITY 37 

Then "Glory be to God on high" 

Rose in triumphant strain. 
While "Peace on earth, good will to men" 

Came back in sweet refrain. 
The winged messengers had flown; 

Good tidings they had told; 
The new-born "Shepherd of the sheep" 

Will care for all His fold. 

The trusting shepherds leave their flocks; 

They haste to Bethlehem 
To worship there the new-born Babe, 

By God made known to them. 
They skirt the mountain, pass the town. 

Directly reach the inn. 
Where Joseph and his wearied wife 

No room could find within. 



38 ECHOES OF BETHLEHEM 

The man on watch they, breathless, hail, 

TTieir story him to tell; 
The dazzling light he, too, had seen. 

Nor could his fears dispel. 
"What thinkest thou?" the watchman cried, 

"What caused the wondrous light 
From out the sky, that we have seen. 

Who do not sleep this night?" 

"The Christ is born! Our King is come!" 

"The Christ! Can it be so?" 
"Great things this night we've seen and heard ; 

Come, to the cave we go." 
"The cave, why there?" "To see the Child." 

"No child you there will find." 
"Well, come with us, the Saviour see. 

And free your doubting mind. 



THE NATIVITY 39 

"For in a manger He doth lie; 

While we were in the field 
The angel of the Lord came down 

And this to us revealed. 
The cave alone, in Bethlehem, 

Hath mangers; hence you see 
*Tis there we go the Babe to find; 

He surely there must be." 

With faith increased and hope enlarged, 

The watchman leads the way; 
That they may find the Holy Child 

They all devoutly pray. 
The cavern now they quickly reach, 

A lantern burns within. 
The door, unguarded, stands ajar; 

Unbidden they go in. 



40 ECHOES OF BETHLEHEM 

And by the dim, uncertain light 

Can scarcely see their way; 
But presently a voice they hear: 

"What would you, friends, I pray?" 
"I give you peace," the watchman said, 

"For we this night would find 
A new-born Babe, in swaddling clothes. 

The Saviour of mankind." 

'Twas Joseph's voice the shepherds heard. 

And as they then drew near. 
With much emotion he replied: 

"The Child you seek is here." 
They then in wonderment were led 

Unto a manger low. 
And there they saw, on bed of straw. 

The Christ they fain would know. 



THE NATIVITY 41 

And Mary, too, was with her child. 

While in her guileless face 
A holy mother love is seen. 

Illumed with saintly grace. 
Now, speechless with astonishment. 

The shepherds stand about; 
"It is the Christ," they whisper low; 

(The sight hath vanquished doubt). 

"It is the Lord!" they all exclaim, 

"And wondrous are His ways." 
Down on their knees they quickly fall 

In silent, fervent praise. 
These simple men, now doubting not. 

Devoutly kiss the hem 
Of Mary's robe, and hasten forth 

To tell all Bethlehem 



42 ECHOES OF BETHLEHEM 

The gladsome news; and, as they go. 

They greet the coming morn 
With songs of praise to God on high. 

For Christ the Saviour born. 
All they to whom the shepherds told 

What they had heard and seen, 
Were greatly moved, with anxious hearts. 

Their hopes and fears between. 

But some there were, who knew the law. 

Whose souls must have been thrilled 
With joy, that Micah's prophecy 

Was thus at last fulfilled. 
And, when the Babe was eight days old. 

They piously conformed 
To precepts of the Jewish law. 

The sacred rites performed. 



THE NATIVITY 43 

They took Him to the temple, to 

Present Him to the Lord; 
And by an humble sacrifice 

Their fervent faith record. 



In sanctified Jerusalem 

There dwelt a righteous man. 
To whom the Holy Ghost revealed 

The Messianic plan. 

God told the aged Simeon 

That nought should intervene 
To end his life on earth until 

The Saviour he had seen. 
Drawn by the Spirit, he within 

The temple sought a place. 
And when the parents brought the Child 

He saw Him face to face. 



44 ECHOES OF BETHLEHEM 

TTien took he Him up in his arms; 

His voice in prayer was heard: 
"Lord, let me now depart in peace. 

According to Thy Word; 
Mine eyes have Thy salvation seen. 

Which Thou, before the face 
Of all the people, hast prepared 

That all may share Thy grace. 

"For Gentile and for Jew alike 

Thy mercy Thou hast shown; 
That whosoever will, may come. 

Through Jesus, to Thy throne." 
This righteous man most tenderly 

The Child and parents blessed; 
To Mary, in prophetic words. 

His faith in Christ expressed. 



THE NATIVITY 45 

And then the aged Anna came; 

Likewise her thanks she gave 
Unto the Lord, and spake of Christ 

As born with power to save. 
And Joseph and his holy wife 

Were wondrously impressed; 
They marveled much that these two saints 

So soon the Christ confessed. 



THE FLIGHT INTO EGYPT 



\ TOW, many hundred years before 

Our Holy Saviour's birth, 
God's chosen prophets had foretold 

His pilgrimage to earth; 
For Moses, Micah, Nahum and 

Isaiah prophesied 
A ruler, out of Israel, 

To God and man allied. 

Corruption reigned throughout the world. 

And wickedness was rife; 
Amongst the nations of the earth 

Was much ungodly strife. 
The Jews themselves ignored the law. 

Except the righteous few. 
Observing only outward forms 

As less sincere they grew. 



48 ECHOES OF BETHLEHEM 

God to them frequent warning gave. 

Besought them to amend 
Their ways of living, keep the law. 

And righteousness defend. 
They would not hearken; so, at last. 

The great Chaldean king 
Of Babylon against the Jews 

A powerful host doth bring. 

Jerusalem was then besieged. 

And not without success; 
The Jewish king, Jehoiakim, 

They thoroughly suppress. 
And subjects of the vanquished king. 

Most learned of the land. 
Were led away to Babylon, 

As was divinely planned. 



THE FLIGHT INTO EGYPT 49 

Amongst the hapless prisoners 

Was Daniel, wise and good; 
He kept the law; he sought to dwell 

In peaceful brotherhood 
With all mankind; and soon he gained 

TTie love and great respect 
Of Ashpenaz, a man of rank, 

One of the king's elect. 

God favored Daniel wondrously: 

He made him understand 
The dreams forgotten by the king. 

Which wise men of the land 
Could not recall, so, therefore, they 

Were all condemned to die; 
But Daniel went before the king 

And asked for him to try. 



50 ECHOES OF BETHLEHEM 

And with God's help he learned the truth; 

The wise men thus were saved. 
For Daniel, by this timely act. 

The way to fame was paved. 
The king fell down and worshipped him. 

Paid tribute to God's power. 
And unto Daniel gave great gifts; 

And straightway, from that hour. 

Was Daniel made a ruler of 

The province Babylon, 
And chief of all the governors. 

Whose favor he had won. 
His wisdom brought him great renown; 

But there were yet three more; 
Shadrach, Meshach, Abednego 

Made up the righteous four. 



THE FLIGHT INTO EGYPT 51 

TTiese captive Jews could not be swerved; 

Tho in a Gentile land, 
TTiey loved the Lord, obeyed His laws, 

Were guided by His hand. 
Their faith in God was greater than 

Their fear of lion's den; 
Not e'en the fi'ry furnace could 

Dismay these earnest men. 

The courage of these godly saints 

Of the Mosaic law. 
Must have impressed Chaldeans with 

Most reverential awe. 
They through their long captivity 

The sacred truths unfold; 
And Balaam's prophecies, no doubt, 

Were to Chaldeans told. 



52 ECHOES OF BETHLEHEM 

And SO the great astrologers. 

And men of wisest mind. 
Were likely searching Juda's skies. 

The wondrous star to find; 
When it appeared their faith was strong, 

And there was no delay; 
They forthwith to Jerusalem 

Devoutly made their way. 

As from the East unto the West 

0*er hill and vale they go. 
Through verdant meads whose limpid streams 

Into the wadies flow. 
Across the desert's barren sands. 

Through forests dense and wild. 
The beaming star doth guide them on 

Toward the Kingly Child. 



THE FLIGHT INTO EGYPT 53 

At length Mount Pisgah's lofty heights 

Far distant they descry; 
And then Frank Mountain greets their view 

Against the western sky. 
From Nebo, Pisgah's grandest peak, 

Obeying God's command. 
The faithful Moses, ere he died. 

Beheld the promised land. 

The scene inspires them wondrously; 

Each pious bosom thrills. 
As they recall the sacred truths. 

And climb Peraea's hills. 
Along the wady Heshbon then, 

Mayhap they made their way. 
As westward through the mountain pass 

Its cragged course doth lay. 



54 ECHOES OF BETHLEHEM 

As down the wild and rocky glen 

Their journey they pursue. 
The lowest, saltest sea of earth 

Bursts out upon their view. 
It rests between majestic cliffs 

Two thousand feet below; 
Along its shores the tamarisk 

And Sodom apples grow. 

While far beneath its acrid depths 

The vale of Siddim lies. 
Where Sodom and Gomorrah know 

No more the sunlit skies. 
The Jordan, fringed with olive trees 

And oleanders green. 
With Canaan's holy hills and vales. 

Complete the thrilling scene. 



THE FLIGHT INTO EGYPT 55 

The living springs of Lebanon 

Far north from GaHlee, 
Meet here the turbid waters of 

The Dead and briny sea. 
As on between the Jordan's banks 

To nature's restful sleep 
Time marks their never-ceasing flow 

Into the lifeless deep. 

And there their course is at an end; 

Beyond they cannot go; 
The rockbound shores and mighty depths 

Reveal no outward flow, 
Except in vapor, heavenward. 

When, purged and purified, 
God sends them back to bless the earth 

And swell the flowing tide. 



56 ECHOES OF BETHLEHEM 

These learned men from out the East 

Were, doubtless, much impressed; 
For they were skilled in nature's laws. 

With wisdom greatly blessed. 
And as they near the river's brink. 

Go north along its shore. 
Ere long they reach the lower ford. 

Where, centuries before. 

The ransomed hosts of Israel 

First crossed the sacred stream. 
And Joshua, by God's command. 

Set up a new regime. 
They, over Jordan, pass Gilgal, 

Their hearts in faith's enthrall; 
And soon the walls of Jericho 

Historic scenes recall. 



THE FLIGHT INTO EGYPT 57 

From thence toward Jerusalem 

They go without delay; 
For Zion's holy city now 

Is but six hours away. 
They pass Brook Cherith's fastnesses, 

To which Elijah fled. 
Who by the Lord's express command 

Was by the ravens fed; 

And many other gruesome caves 

Along the famous road. 
Wherein the roving Bedawi 

Took up their drear abode. 
'Tis here the good Samaritan 

A righteous lesson leaves. 
In binding up the wounds of him 

Who fell among the thieves. 



58 ECHOES OF BETHLEHEM 

And as they hasten, much there is 

Their interest to command; 
Reminders of Mosaic law 

They see on every hand. 
Judea's hills and vales and seas 

Unite in grand array 
To verify the Holy Word, 

The hallow^ed truths portray. 

At length they reach Mount Olivet, 

Go round the rocky steep 
Into the vale Jehoshaphat, 

Wherein the prophets sleep. 
They cross Brook Kidron hurriedly. 

Nor have they long to wait; 
For soon they see the city walls 

And gain the Golden Gate, 



il 



THE FLIGHT INTO EGYPT 59 

Where they with eager questioning 

The sentinel confuse, 
Concerning Him who hath been born 

The King of all the Jews. 
"I know no king but Herod, Sirs," 

The Roman guard replies. 
While he surveys the strangers with 

An undisguised surprise. 

Their questions, with their rich attire 

And stately mien, impressed 
The people, who, now here, now there. 

Their wonderment expressed. 
A motley throng had gathered, they 

Were pressing close to hear. 
When, from within the crowded way. 

An officer drew near. 



60 ECHOES OF BETHLEHEM 

From left to right and right to left 

His javelin did play, 
While in a voice of bold command, 

"Give way!" he cried, "Give way!" 
At length he gained the central group; 

He there the wise men found; 
"What would you?" he of them inquired, 

With dignity profound. 

"We seek the new-born Jewish King; 

Have journeyed from afar 
To worship Him; for in the East 

We've seen His wondrous star." 
"There is no king but Herod here, 

Who reigneth o'er the Jews," 
Replied the Roman, much perplexed 

By the astounding news. 



THE FLIGHT INTO EGYPT 61 

"But stay, you say He's lately born — 

Behold, Fm not a Jew; 
Go farther, to the temple, and 

The question there renew. 
The Doctors or the Priests will know; 

Or, what is better still. 
Seek Herod's aid your King to find. 

He'll help you, with a will." 

The officer then cleared the way. 

The strangers passed the gate. 
Nor paused until they reached the khan, 

More interest to create. 
They knew that they were well proclaimed; 

Their mission widely known; 
As those of whom they had inquired. 

Had much attention shown. 



62 ECHOES OF BETHLEHEM 

They felt that, ere the day was spent, 

'Twould come to Herod's ears. 
Whose crime-seared conscience would at last 

Be thrilled with gravest fears. 
Now this proved true; the wicked king 

And all Jerusalem 
Were greatly troubled when the birth 

Of Christ was known to them. 

By Herod's call the Sanhedrim 

Was hastily convened. 
And from the elders, scribes and priests 

The wily monarch gleaned 
The prophecies concerning Christ, 

Where Jesus should be born. 
Whose promised rule in Israel 

He held in secret scorn. 



THE FLIGHT INTO EGYPT 63 

He summoned then the strangers, who. 

In truth, he greatly feared. 
And secretly inquired of them 

What time the star appeared. 
"Go now," he said, "with diligence. 

And search in Bethlehem, 
And when you've found Him bring me word. 

That I may worship Him." 

The king's command, forthwith obeyed. 

Brought peace and joy untold 
To these devout and godly men. 

Whose hearts were strong and bold. 
For lo, the star which they had seen 

Beamed brightly on before. 
Till finally it came, and stood. 

Above the Saviour's door. 



64 ECHOES OF BETHLEHEM 

The lowly place which shelters Him 

They enter reverently; 
And gold and frankincense and myrrh 

They offer ivorshipfull^; 
On bended knee they homage pay 

The rvorld^s Deliverer; 
Depart another way, and foil 

Its chief est murderer. 

And Joseph, also, warned of God, 

With Babe and Virgin fled 
To Egypt, where they dwelt until 

The wicked king was dead. 
When Herod found that he was mocked. 

His vengeful heart gave way 
To cruelty beyond compare. 

Before or since that day. 



THE FLIGHT INTO EGYPT 65 

And all the babes of Bethlehem, 

Not more than two years old. 
He mercilessly put to death. 

As prophecy foretold. 
But soon the final summons came 

To this poor crime-steeped king; 
Nor wealth, nor fame, nor earthly friend. 

Could to him succor bring. 

His life was ignominious. 

He died in wild despair; 
He bore no cross for righteousness, 

No crown was his to wear. 

"But when Herod was dead, behold, an angel of the 
Lord appeareth in a dream to Joseph in Egypt, saying. 
Arise, and take the young child and his mother, and go 
into the land of Israel : for they are dead which sought the 
young child's life. 

" And he came and dwelt in a city called Neizareth : 
that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the 
prophets. He shall be called a Nazarene." 



DEC 18 1912 



